The Russian Orloff is a rare dual-purpose breed. They were originally used for meat production, although they are known for being hard-fleshed.
Hens only lay about 100 eggs per year. Their eggs are light brown in color and small to medium in size. Hens will rarely go broody, which is good news if you’re not planning on raising chicks.
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Orloff Chicken Breed Quick Info
Orloff Chicken Description
| Orloff Type/Size: | Standard |
| Feather Color: | White, red, or spangled |
| Leg Type: | Clean |
| Leg Color: | Yellow |
| Skin Color: | Yellow |
| Orloff Ease of Raising/Keeping: | Easy |
| Orloff Special Care Needs: | No |
| Is the Orloff breed a common, rare, or protected breed of chicken? | Rare, “threatened” status |
Orloff Use
| Meat | Yes |
| Eggs | Yes |
| Dual Purpose | Yes |
| Orloff Temperament: | Gentle, docile |
| Orloff Ability/Likelihood to Free Range: | Yes |
Orloff Egg Production
| Egg Color | Brown |
| Egg Size | Small-Medium |
| Estimated Number of Eggs Per Year | 100 |
| Likeliness to Brood Eggs/Raise Chicks | Low |
Orloff Meat Production
| Dressed Weight Male | 7 ¼ lbs. |
| Dressed Weight Female | 5 ½ lbs. |
Orloff Climate Tolerance
| Heat | Good |
| Cold | Good |
Orloff Age to Maturity
| Number of Months to Reach Full Size | 5 Months |
| Number of Months to Start Egg Laying | 5 Months |
| Number of Weeks/Months to Reach Meat Harvest Size | 16 Weeks |
Orloff Size at Maturity
| Male | 8 ½ lbs. |
| Female | 6 ½ lbs. |
Origins of the Orloff Chicken
Despite its name, the Russian Orloff chicken is not from Russia. Instead, it originated in Persia and had spread throughout Eastern Europe and Asia by the 17th century.
Much of the breed’s success is attributed to a Russian Count by the name of Orloff, who imported and promoted the breed in Russia during the early 19th century.
From there, it became known throughout the rest of Europe and the United States, although much later in the century. Today, it remains extremely rare.
Some Things to Know About the Orloff Chicken
The Russian Orloff is a tall breed of chicken with a few distinguishing features that make them stand out among other breeds.
They have a beard and muff, as well as a thickly feathered neck. Their wattles are small, and they have a strawberry comb that is not prone to frostbite.
Like many other chickens, they have yellow legs and feet and red or amber eyes. They can be found in different colors: white, spangled, and red.
How Easy is it to Keep Orloff Chickens?
If there is one thing that Orloff chickens are known for, it is being cold hardy. They were bred and adapted specifically to withstand the cold, brutal winters of Russia.
They are able to survive in conditions where other birds cannot, so if you live in an area with harsh winters, this may be the bird for you!
They excel as free-range birds but will also tolerate confinement well. When it comes to their personality, Russian Orloff chickens are known to be gentle and docile birds.
They will stand up for themselves if necessary but are not overly aggressive, placing them in the middle of the pecking order.
Special Care and Considerations for Orloff Chickens
The Russian Orloff chicken breed is an exceptionally healthy, hardy chicken. They are not prone to any illnesses.
Due to the rarity of this breed, be sure to seek out high-quality breeders well ahead of time. Join their waitlist, if they have one, to ensure you get a chance at adding these beautiful birds to your flock.
